News
Dispute over transfer boards: Keheliya’s word final – Prime Minister
Contradictory statements over Temple Trees talks
By Shamindra Ferdinando
A simmering battle between the health ministry and the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) over the recent controversial change of the system that had been in place with regard to post-intern appointments has taken a new turn with Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa declaring that the final decision on such matters should be taken by Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.
PM Rajapaksa said so at the end of a meeting at Temple Trees on Tuesday morning (04) attended by Minister Rambukwella and GMOA President Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya.
PM Rajapaksa’s Office yesterday (05) morning quoted him as having told the meeting that the final decision was the prerogative of the Health Minister. According to the statement issued under the hand of PM’s Media Secretary Rohan Weliwita, Minister Rambukwella has told Premier Rajapaksa that the newly introduced system couldn’t be changed. Having ruled out further talks meant to restore the discarded system, Minister Rambukwella has said that he was prepared to discuss issues at hand pertaining to the newly introduced system. The Minister was reacting to the GMOA requesting the restoration of the discarded system.
Minister Rambukwella challenged the GMOA over the latter’s accusations regarding him interfering in administrative decisions.
Yesterday’s press release further quoted Premier Rajapaksa as having said that some issues couldn’t be resolved through discussions.
Top GMOA spokesperson Dr. Samantha Ananda yesterday told The Island that the Premier’s Office called the meeting on a request made by them. The meeting that commenced at 10 am ended close to noon with the health ministry and the GMOA unable to reach consensus on the issue at hand.
Yesterday’s press release issued by the PM’s Office following strong interventions by the health ministry was the third that dealt with the Temple Trees meeting.
On Tuesday, the PM’s Office released two statements also under the hand of Rohan Weliwita.
Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa has asserted that the change of the system that had been in place with regard to post-intern appointments will cause disputes.
The Premier has advised all stakeholders to reach a consensus whether to retain the same system inclusive of medical transfer boards.
Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday night (4) quoted him as having instructed Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena to settle differences through consultations.
In the first statement, Premier Rajapaksa was quoted as having reproached health ministry officials over the unilateral change of the system. Premier Rajapaksa has told health ministry officials not to pursue political agenda at the expense of the government but to deal with trade unions in terms of the establishment of code.
Among those who had been present at the meeting were health minister Keheliya Rambukwella, Health Secretary Maj. Gen. Dr. S.H. Munasinghe, Secretary to the National Salaries Commission Chandrani Senaratne, DGHS Dr. Asela Gunawardena and President of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya.
Dr. Padeniya has requested the ministry to treat Administrative Medical Officers (Medical Administrative Grade) equally without them being divided into two sections namely Senior Medical Administrative Grade and Junior Medical Administrative Grade. Asked for clarification, Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe also of the GMOA said that the GMOA believed the two sections should be combined.
The GMOA has sought the intervention of Premier Rajapaksa after having accused the health ministry of failing to address the grievances of doctors. In a statement issued on Dec 28, 2021, the GMOA explained the difficulties experienced by three categories of doctors in service, namely (1) Grade Medical Officers (2) Specialist Medical Officers and (3) Administrative Medical Officers.
The GMOA resorted to trade union action from Dec 21 to 24 demanding that the government address seven major issues.
The GMOA, in a statement that dealt with the Temple Trees meeting said that the outfit was compelled to strike due to unilateral actions of Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. G. Wijesuriya. According to the GMOA statement issued by its Secretary Dr. Senal Fernando, Premier Rajapaksa has directed DGHS Dr. Gunawardena to restore the abolished system in which transfer boards played a significant role.
The GMOA said that Premier Rajapaksa also directed the DGHS to establish an independent committee that would be tasked to inquire into the irregularities caused by the changes made to the Medical Administrative Grade at the behest of the then health Minister Rajitha Senaratne and his wife, Dr. Sujatha Senaratne. The GMOA used the opportunity to explain how Dr. Seneratne’s unilateral interventions caused problems for the Medical Administrative Grade and resulted in overall deterioration of the services and working conditions.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western and Eastern provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 04 May 2026, valid for 05 May 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western and Eastern provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the day time.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Latest News
Maldivian President plants a sapling to mark 60 years of Sri Lanka–Maldives Diplomatic Relations
President of the Maldives, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who is on a State Visit to Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, planted a sapling this afternoon (04) at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo to commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Upon arrival at the Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu was warmly received by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Children lined both sides of the pathway holding the national flags of the two countries and paid tribute to the visiting Maldivian President.
Among those present at the occasion were Deputy Speaker Rizvi Salih, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath and the Mayor of Colombo, Vraie Cally Balthazaar, along with several other dignitaries.
[President’s Media Division (PMD)]
News
Sri Lanka and Maldives strengthen ties with productive bilateral talks
Following the bilateral meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives, who is currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, official-level bilateral discussions between the delegations of the two countries were held this morning (04) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The discussions commenced after the formal welcome ceremony accorded to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu earlier this morning within the Presidential Secretariat premises.
Extending a warm welcome to the Maldivian President, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed his appreciation for accepting the invitation to visit Sri Lanka.
President Dissanayake noted that President Muizzu’s visit, taking place as the two nations mark 61 years of diplomatic relations, reflects the strong partnership, mutual trust and longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The President further expressed confidence that the visit would mark a new phase in bilateral relations.
The two leaders engaged in extensive discussions on ways to further expand and diversify multifaceted cooperation, including economic, cultural and social ties, in a manner that delivers mutual benefits to the people of both countries.
Key areas of focus included tourism promotion, educational cooperation, youth and sports development, challenges faced by both nations in the fisheries sector within the Indian Ocean region, education and vocational training, as well as defence training and broader security cooperation.
Representing the Government of Sri Lanka were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Science and Technology, Krishantha Abeysena; Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih, Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired), Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (covering Europe, North America, East Asia and Oceania, Southeast Asia and Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and Legal Affairs) M. R. K. Lenagala, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, Mohamed Rizvi Hassan and Director (South Asia and SAARC) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Mahesha Jayawardena.
The Maldivian delegation included Minister of Foreign Affairs Iruthisham Adam, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, Chief of Staff to the President, Abdulla Fayaz, Principal Secretary to the President on Foreign Relations, Mohamed Naseer; Chief Government Spokesperson, Mohamed Hussain Shareef, High Commissioner of the Maldives to Sri Lanka,Masood Imad; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Chief of Protocol , Mohamed Shahudy, Deputy Minister at the President’s Office, Mr Mohamed Hassaan and Minister Counsellor at the Maldives High Commission in Sri Lanka, Mr. Ismail Mamdhooh.
[President’s Media Division (PMD)]
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